Federal Cabinet approves Hajj Policy 2026, Artificial Intelligence Policy 2025

Islamabad:

The Federal Cabinet has approved Hajj Policy 2026 and Artificial Intelligence Policy 2025.

The approval was granted by the Federal Cabinet, which met in Islamabad today with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the chair.

Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister welcomed the full digitization of next year's Hajj operations to ensure top-notch facilities for pilgrims.  He directed that pilgrims will be provided with all necessary facilities.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs was directed to ensure implementation of the Hajj policy.

The cabinet was given a detailed briefing on Hajj Policy 2026. It was said that seventy percent of Pakistan's Hajj quota will be allocated to the government Hajj Scheme, while rest will go to the private sector. Private companies will ensure Hajj for those who were unable to perform it last year due to the private Hajj tour operators' negligence.

It was informed that third-party validation will be mandatory for both government and private sector Hajj operations. Pilgrims will receive services proportional to the amount paid, along with quality facilities. It was told that 1,000 seats will be reserved under hardship cases. Each private company must cater to a minimum of 2,000 pilgrims. Strict monitoring of private Hajj companies will be ensured during the Hajj operation.  Real-time monitoring of pilgrims' payments and processing will be implemented.

The meeting was apprised that selection of Moavineen for Hajj 2026 will again be done through a transparent testing. Pilgrims will be provided mobile SIMs, digital wristbands, quality accommodation and meals, and compensation in case of emergencies or accidents. The "Pak Hajj" mobile app will be further enhanced for payments, training, complaints, and other services.

Talking about the Artificial Intelligence policy, the Prime Minister emphasized that the youth are Pakistan's greatest asset and providing AI education and equal growth opportunities is a top priority. He said AI is already being applied in FBR reforms to boost national revenue and improve systems. He appreciated the Ministry of IT's timely initiatives toward national development through AI.

The cabinet was also given a detailed briefing on the AI Policy 2025. It was told the National AI policy will help improve public services, agricultural productivity, economic inclusion, skills development, and employment. A complete AI ecosystem is being established in the country. It was said the private sector will be encouraged through the AI Innovation Fund and AI Venture Fund. Nationwide awareness campaigns, simplified loans, and inclusive access to women and differently-abled individuals will be ensured.

The meeting was updated that cybersecurity, national data protection, and environmental considerations as well as use of AI in the government sector are embedded in the policy. International partnerships and global AI regulations are considered in policy formation.

It was told that training of one million AI professionals, 3,000 annual scholarships, one thousand indigenous AI products, 50,000 AI-powered civic projects in the next 5 years and one thousand research initiatives are part of the policy. 

It was added that to ensure implementation, an AI Council and a Master Plan with Action Matrix will be established.

According to sources, the cabinet also approved several other items on the agenda.

The cabinet decided to allocate 70% of the Hajj quota to the government scheme and 30% to private operators. In 2026, the cost of performing Hajj under the government scheme is expected to range between Rs1.15 million to Rs1.25 million.

Sources further revealed that the Ministry of Religious Affairs had initially proposed a 60% government and 40% private quota, but the Prime Minister directed that the government quota be increased to 70%.